Stephen Colbert Helps Welcome Home The Troops

August 20th, 2010

It’s hard to imagine a more touching moment. Soldiers who have been deployed in Iraq return to applause, cheers and the open arms of loved ones.

On August 19, 2010, the last American combat brigade left Iraq. The final members of this 4,000 member unit made their way out of the country and into Kuwait early that day. By the following morning, the first of these troops arrived back home.

Obama’s Promise
Some troops will remain in Iraq. After this exodus, there are still 56,000 soldiers in the country. Another 6,000 may be going home before the end of August. Those who are left behind will not be sent out on combat missions. If all this happens, the President will have kept his promise.

While on the campaign trail, Obama vowed to reduce the number of troops in Iraq to 50,000 by the first of September. On Wednesday, August 18, the President boasted that he was keeping his promise and said: “By the end of this month our combat mission will be over in Iraq.”

Colbert Collaborates
In June, 2009, Stephen Colbert, host of the wildly popular Colbert Report, spent a week in Iraq filming his show and entertaining the troops. He donned a camouflage suit for the broadcasts, and even shaved his head at the behest of President Obama in a pre-recorded message. Colbert will have another chance to wear the one-of-a-kind ensemble.

Now that the troops are returning, Colbert’s getting involved again. His show will dedicate two episodes to the homeward-bound troops. The audience for both performances will be made up of veterans from the Iraq war, and his guests will include General Ray Odierno and Vice President Joe Biden. These upcoming broadcasts are titled: “Been There: Won That: The Returnification of the American-Do Troopscape.”

Welcome Home
Many of the soldiers who left Iraq will not arrive home until mid-September or later, but the deployment is underway. When they finally do arrive, they will be met by people who are overjoyed to have their loved ones safely back home.

Everyone at PeopleFinders would like to say welcome home to all the returning troops. We’re excited to see so many people reuniting with their family and friends. Thank you for your service; we’re glad you’re back.